Lessons learnt in 2004

'But certainly to teach it, for us to teach it to all kids and other people it is important. So I think it’s been valuable in that, I mean I’ve got a lot out of these meetings. And where at first it felt like we weren’t going anywhere because things were just so slow and, you know, we’d go and see the other groups and they’re so advanced, sometimes I went away feeling really disheartened, thinking, you know, when is this ever going to show something you know?

But finally I think we’re at the stage now that something is happening, it’s positive, we’ve had all the radio interviews, and the articles in the paper and finally now we’re starting to show something for, what, 12 months work – and, I mean, I know 12 months is not a lot of time compared to what other people in other language groups have done – but you know, as a teacher that, coming out of my classroom and having to do all this sort of stuff, it’s been a long time.

And I just think that the experience that we’ve had working with the Board, working with the people here – the Aboriginal people and the non-Aboriginal people – has just been a really valuable experience, I feel.'

Kerry Boyenga, Dhurga Community Member and classroom teacher, Broulee Public School, 23/11/04